Eb edge past dempo to seal semis berth

A controversial goal saw defending champions East Bengal defeat Dempo here on Wednesday and make it to the last four of the Federation Cup by topping group C with seven points. In the group’s second match, Mohammedan Sporting held Pune FC 0-0.

A controversial goal saw defending champions East Bengal defeat Dempo here on Wednesday and make it to the last four of the Federation Cup by topping group C with seven points. In the group’s second match, Mohammedan Sporting held Pune FC 0-0.

Robin Singh got East Bengal the winner alright but it was contentious and was off the only cross Tolgay Ozbey could get through after 68 minutes of jostling and struggling through what appeared to be an impregnable Dempo defence.

Television replays suggested Robin’s grounder grazed Baljit Singh’s knee, the sole East Bengal player standing beyond Dempo’s defence line, but the assistant referee’s flag stayed down. “From what I could see, the ball did touch Baljit’s knee,” said Morgan.

Mauricio Afonso, Dempo coach told HT Dempo fell victim to refereeing oversights. “Baljit clearly lifted his leg and he was almost on our goalline. But I didn’t complain since it leads to nothing. We wouldn’t have minded had we went out after drawing the game because it was a keenly contested tie,” he said.